Kylian Mbappé, son of Cameroon and Algeria, is losing Chinese brand partners after an alleged joke about Mao Zedong memes.
Kylian Mbappé carries Cameroonian and Algerian roots onto the world stage, and one of the biggest names in African-heritage football is now dealing with a sponsorship storm in the world's largest consumer market. Chinese brands are reportedly cutting ties with the France captain after a remark about Mao Zedong drew heavy criticism.
The controversy centres on a comment Mbappé allegedly made, saying his "favourite meme" is the one that puts his face on a Chinese dictator. The line was apparently meant as a joke, but it landed badly. Mao remains a deeply sensitive figure in China, and the backlash has spread quickly online.
For a player with a huge global commercial profile, the timing stings. Chinese partners have long seen football superstars as powerful marketing assets, and brands there tend to react fast when public sentiment turns. Pulling campaigns and ending associations is a clear signal that they want distance from the row.
There is no sign yet that the damage will go beyond China, and Mbappé's value on the pitch is unchanged. But the episode is a reminder that for modern superstars, one throwaway line can cost real money. Fans across Africa and the diaspora, who watch his every move, will be waiting to see how he responds.
